Can I be like her?

I have experienced and learnt what is a 'shock' and how does it work on human mind, recently when a call informing her passing away struck like a lightening without thunder.

We all, elders and youngsters alike, loved her so much but could not match the affections she had showered on all of us. Technically we were her extended family, but in practice she loved all of us like her own.

She chose two weeks back, one night not to wake up, without any physical indication that she was unwell.

The call numbed me. Words refused to come out, but cry did, loud and clear. And that was common reaction of all of us.

Driving down, I recalled experiences she had given to our families and life lessons I have learnt from her.

She had rebelled, when she came into our relatively conservative family, her faith being different. That was the only rebellion. She adopted to changed settings so well that we all could learn a few mannerisms from her.

She may not know sanskrit but would cover her head, fold her hands and sincerely worship gods during all hindu religious ceremonies. She would also follow practices she had adpoted before her marriage, never being too insistant of others to follow.

She was a fitness freak. Even at her age, which common man would consider advanced, she had adopted a regime of excericise, which made us believe she was immortal and shocked us no end when the lightening struck us. She would quietly slip away for her excericise without guests ever knowing and return before we could notice her absence.

She was a learner. We never knew what were her acedamic achievements. She used technology proficiently not just at work, but also in managing household. She would never shy away from accepting if she did not know some tricks and would seek support to learn. She was a silent reader and has left behind her a wealth of books, to take advantage of.

Harmony was her innate strength. Spread love, maintain cool, never react to toxic comments, and ignore occasional misbehaviour of the most loved ones and keep showering affection and good wishes, are some of traits I wish I could have possessed. I have seen her conducting herself with grace and calm in most hostile situations.

Help, assist, support family members selflessly at any cost, was her mantra. I have been the beneficiary of her support in all family events, marriages, sickness or demise of family members.

She lived and not just existed. She loved life. She contributed her bit every time called upon. She loved to travel and travel in style. She cherished class and shared classy material things and emotions.

Leaving her home yesterday I felt like she was, as it was her practice, asking me to drive safely, take care of 'bhabhi', call once I reached home and prayed God be with us.

Hope we meet again. You were worth meeting.